Get Grateful! 20 Ways to Teach Kids Gratitude, from Tots to Teens

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Of all the gifts your kids could get their hands on this season, there’s probably only one that will ensure their happiness will outlast a pack of batteries. I’ll give you a clue: It’s nothing you can put a bow on. I’m talking about the gift of a grateful heart.

It turns out, there’s a lot to like about gratitude. Research from the Greater Good Science Center tells us that gratitude actually blocks toxic emotions even as it allows us to celebrate the present. What’s more, grateful people are more stress-resistant and have a higher sense of self-worth. And wouldn’t we all rather our kids appreciate what they unwrapped last year instead of constantly demanding the next new thing?

The Preschool Years

When kids are young, they’re still working on the concept of giving thanks — whether a verbal thank-you or a hand-drawn picture for a grandparent who read Goodnight Moon 10,000 times in a row. Practicing good manners in instances when a “thank you” is appropriate will nurture their budding sense of gratitude. While saying “thank you” may be an automatic response at a young age, as they get older they’ll begin to attach true meaning to the words.

What to do:

1. Create a thank-you. When your young kids receive gifts, they should be expected to create and send a thank-you picture or short note within one day (or at the rate of one or two thank-you’s per day).

2. Be polite to Mr. Bear. Role-play using good manners and saying “thank you” using stuffed animals and action figures.

3. Pick your top 3. At dinner or bedtime, take turns sharing the three best things about your day.

4. Commit it to memory. Find and memorize thank-you prayers, songs or poems.

5. Make a different kind of gift list. Write down the things (preferably handmade) your preschoolers would like to give friends and family as holiday gifts.

The Elementary Years

In the elementary years, help your kids reach out to others in meaningful ways. They’re old enough to make a real difference, even if it’s a small one. Not only will they feel good about what they can do, but helping others will foster a sense of appreciation for the people, experiences and things they value in their own lives.

Keep up the previous list, plus encourage your kids to:

1. Hand-write thank-you’s. One sentence per grade is a good rule of thumb, and be sure to send them out promptly.

2. Make a gratitude jar. Fill it with short handwritten notes of gratitude (“I’m thankful we won the big game!” or, “I’m grateful Grandma came to visit.”). Pick a special time to pull out notes at random and read them aloud.

3. Say thank-you with cookies. Prepare and deliver a homemade "thank you" to your local fire or police department, or your pediatrician’s or dentist’s office.

4. Make it stick. Leave sticky notes for each family member to thank them for something you appreciate.

5. Celebrate your year. Every birthday, make a list of things you are grateful for that year. A 5-year-old can think of five things, while a 10-year-old can manage at least 10.

The Middle School Years

As kids embark on their early teens, it’s time to help them appreciate how good they have it. These years are also a good time to encourage generosity, and help kids learn when and how to go above and beyond as they reach out to others.

Keep up the previous lists, plus encourage your kids to:

1. Get it on video. Make a thank-you video for someone who gave you a gift or showed you a kindness. Saying thank you is always important, but it’s OK to think beyond the note.

2. Make a plan. Research a service project, and make a plan to execute it. Invite others to join in.

3. Create a gratitude photo book. Using a smart phones (or a plain old camera, or magazines), gather photos of the things you’re thankful for.

4. Help out without being asked. Make it a goal to do so once a day — and for any member of the family.

5. Give a gift card. Save up money to purchase a gift card (grocery store, gas card, etc.) for a person in need.

The High School Years

By this time, kid need to learn how to “own” their gratitude. With their growing need for independence, they’ll enjoy showing their appreciation and making a difference on their own terms. Happiness expert and author Christine Carter, PhD, suggests teens focus on altruism — helping others and practicing kindness — rather than simply on gratitude. She states, “Helping others evokes feelings of gratitude, compassion, and confidence in people of any age.”

Keep up the previous list, plus encourage your kids to:

1. Thank a teacher or coach. Send a handwritten note to let him know how much his efforts make a difference.

2. Volunteer a Saturday. Think food pantry or animal shelter, and try to make it a regular commitment.

3. Go back to school. Donate your time to your old elementary or middle school and let your former teachers and coaches know how much they helped you.

4. Create a new family gratitude ritual. Make it something you can continue when you’re on your own.

5. Pay it forward in the drive-thru lane. Use your own money to pay for someone else’s meal.

Whether your kids are just out of diapers or almost into dorm rooms, there’s plenty you can do to develop and encourage a grateful heart. For even more age-by-age suggestions, check out my Gratitude by the Numbers chart. And dig in! With a little work from everyone, your kids can be more tuned in to what really matters — like family, friends and a happy home this season.

About Parent Toolkit

Parent Toolkit provides parents with a comprehensive guide to helping their children succeed in school and life, whether they’re just starting out in pre-school or preparing their college applications. It is produced by NBC News Education Nation and supported by Pearson.